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Maritime Cyber4Work

BUILDING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CYBERSECURITY

A Regional Alliances and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development project

Maritime Cyber4Work is a cybersecurity education and workforce development initiative designed to address the shortage of cybersecurity governance professionals in the Gulf Coast's maritime and critical infrastructure sectors.

Through a partnership between The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi Coding Academies and regional employers, the program aims to develop the next generation of cybersecurity leaders equipped to secure smart ports, maritime logistics systems and critical infrastructure supporting the blue economy.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The program will offer two levels of cybersecurity education and workforce training.

Tier 1: Cybersecurity Certification Bootcamps

Foundational training delivered in partnership with Mississippi Coding Academies to prepare participants for industry-recognized certifications, including CompTIA Security+ and CySA+.

Tier 2: Advanced Cybersecurity Governance Certificate

An 18-credit graduate-level certificate focused on cybersecurity policy, risk management and compliance.

INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Mississippi Coding Academies, a nonprofit organization established in 2017, brings statewide reach, established employer partnerships and expertise in workforce training and certification preparation.

This partnership will expand access to industry-aligned cybersecurity education, particularly for learners in underserved rural communities.

WORKFORCE RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

The project will also evaluate cybersecurity workforce needs across Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region, focusing on:

  • Workforce Skills Gaps: Identifying cybersecurity governance skills needed in maritime and critical infrastructure sectors.

  • Workforce Availability: Assessing the regional supply of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

  • Organizational Impact: Evaluating how cybersecurity governance training influences organizational cybersecurity maturity.

Findings will contribute to CyberSeek's national database, providing insights into maritime cybersecurity job requirements, salary and career progression data, and regional demand for cybersecurity governance skills.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

Dr. Sarah Lee, Dr. Nick Rahim and Terry Cullum

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